Simone Biles Springs Her Way Into History.
The sprite athlete with the eternal smile is vaulting her way back into the Olympics after overcoming a bad case of the “twisties.”
When Simone Biles takes flight, it’s impossible to imagine anything weighing her down. Her ability to toss her body in the most difficult moves in gymnastics has made her one of the greatest gymnasts in the sport's history. Read Story
In the Aftermath of Disaster, Rebuild.
Julie and Ron Lynam lost their dream home in a forest fire, so they got to work dreaming and building again—a StoryCorps story.
The Colorado mountains elicit the peace, tranquility and sense of wonder that inspires songs. It’s the perfect place to retire from a job, although perhaps not from work. Read Story
A Good Father Goes a Long Way.
Ron Howard’s father made a few suggestions to Andy Griffith. The result is an endearing father-and-son relationship that millions still watch today.
Living in Hollywood is a challenge. Growing up a child actor almost guarantees a life of dysfunction. Without a strong father, Howard could have taken the path of least resistance. Read Story
Will Rogers: A Man of and for the People.
Our world has always relied on storytellers with a little humor to set us straight in our pride and loosen our collars when conversations get heated. Read Story
Cooking With Sharks.
Julia Child began her culinary career in the U.S. military. Too tall to enlist in the Women’s Army Corps, she was assigned a research position where she cooked up shark repellant to coat sailors’ life jackets. Read Story
53 Olympic Gold Medals.
How one athlete overcame a genetic disorder and a tragic accident to become a treasure worth more than gold.
Karissa Trinchera was born prematurely, a start that increased her odds of developing more slowly than typical children. Soon after, doctors discovered she also had Stickler Syndrome, a condition that causes vision, hearing and joint problems. Read Story
All the Right Notes.
Liz Stookey Sunde carries on the cause of love and making us all better human beings through Music to Life. Read Story
The Enduring Smile of the Mona Lisa Still Calms Us Today.
The mystery and the maternal security of the world’s most famous painting.
A smile is the most universally recognized language of friendship. It crosses cultures and bridges languages. Read Story
Milton Wright, Father of Famous Fliers.
The stern man who believed humans were never meant to fly was overcome with emotion when Wilbur took him on his first flight.
The Wright family history is the story of American history. The family tree’s roots reach back through abolitionists, clergymen and ancestors who landed at Plymouth only two decades after the Puritans. Read Story
Shakespeare and Love.
The bard speaks of love over 2,500 times in his collected works. He knows a thing or two about the transformative power of our deepest emotion.
“And when love speaks, the voice of all the gods make heaven drowsy with the harmony.” So writes William Shakespeare in “Love’s Labour’s Lost.” Read Story
Arthur Brooks, the Professor of Happiness.
Being happy in this life doesn’t come easy for any of us. Harvard Professor Arthur Brooks has discovered timeless ways to find fulfillment and happiness, no matter our situation.
His class on happiness has the longest waiting list in Harvard’s catalog. He recently published a book with Oprah Winfrey. He is in demand on college campuses nearly everywhere. Read Story
Steph Curry Keeps Hitting the Shots that Matter.
In his new book for children, the NBA superstar encourages kids to take courage and believe in themselves — something the once-underrated hoop star understands.
Steph Curry knows what it’s like to be overlooked. “Coming up through basketball, I didn’t pass the eye test,” he says. “I was a late bloomer.” Read Story
Friendship Dispels the Darkest Nights in Alaska.
How two men find hope in friendship to prevent suicide.
When the winter sun sets in Kasigluk, Alaska, it won’t rise fully for three months. But Alaskans are a hardened breed. They continue to work undaunted, many in trades that require them to be outdoors in extreme conditions. The isolation, the darkness and the unforgiving weather can take a toll on the residents. Read Story
Harmony in Hardship.
Glenn Miller dropped out of college to become the swingingest band leader in the world.
The Great Depression rolled out across America like a pandemic, forcing families to work longer hours if they could find jobs and stand in soup lines if they couldn’t. Read Story
Good Food. Good Friends. Good for the Future.
Barron Prize winner Abby Yoon gets her hands dirty in the garden so at-risk kids can get fresh produce for lunch.
Growing children need healthy food to do well in school. Yet 14% of children in America don’t get more than one meal a day. Having an empty stomach makes it difficult to concentrate on schoolwork. Read Story
